Derby Day 2017

Downslope’s Down and Dirty on Derby Day Drinks

Not able to make it to Louisville this year?

Yeah. Us, too.

But why let a pair of overpriced plane tickets—and a bazillion people—stand in the way of Derby Day fun?So, the gang at Downslope Distilling in Centennial, CO, has put together a quick Derby Day guide to bring a few furlongs of flavor to those of us that wanna kick it up in the winner’s circle, right here in Colorado.Often called “the fastest two minutes in sports,” the Kentucky Derby is steeped in tradition, and one of those traditions being bourbon, because, of course, Kentucky is bourbon country.

Probably why the Derby’s signature drink—the mint julep—begins with Kentucky bourbon.However, those of us that drink expertly in Colorado, know ya gotta use a Colorado original whiskey.

That being Downslope Distillery’s Double Diamond Whiskey, to be precise.
First things, first. Right?
Get to the booze.Here’s a couple of Double Diamond cocktails from Chris, Downslope’s guardian of the realm, that are sure to have your guests lining up at the starting gate.
For ladies, something pink, something fresh:

Downslope I Wanna Kiss Juleps

3 fresh strawberries
4 to 6 fresh mint leaves
1 to 2 teaspoons of agave syrup (to taste)
2 ounces of Downslope Double Diamond Whiskey
Ice
Mint spring for garnish
To get this luscious libation started, place strawberries and mint leaves in a large, sturdy glass. Muddle with a muddler or the end of a French rolling pin. A wooden spoon works, too.
The key is to muddle, not murder.
Press the ingredients against the side of the glass, breaking the strawberries in to small, soft chunks.
Add the agave syrup, Downslope Double Diamond Whiskey and stir gently.
Serve over ice in a chilled glass.
Garnish with mint spring, and then pucker up, baby.

So, for the guys, we wanted to heat things up, a bit.

Downslope Hot and Bothered Jalapeno Mint Julep

1 to 2 fresh jalapeno peppers (de-seeded)
¼ ounce of water
4 to 6 fresh mint leaves
1 to 2 teaspoons of agave syrup (to taste)
2 ounces of Downslope Double Diamond Whiskey
Ice
Mint spring for garnish
It’s pretty much the same drill.
Place the de-seeded peppers and mint leaves in a large, sturdy glass.
Muddle.
Press the ingredients against the side of the glass, breaking the jalepenos in to small, soft chunks.
Add the agave syrup, water, Downslope Double Diamond Whiskey and stir gently.
Stir or shake, if you’re using a cocktail shaker.
IMPORTANT SAFETY TIP: You’re gonna wanna strain this beauty over cracked ice, into a chilled serving glass.
Booze good.
Seeds bad.
Garnish with mint spring, and jalapeno.
Fully involved.
Yeeeaaaahh…that jalapeno garish would be optional.

And of course, here are the deets for the race:
You can check out the Official Kentucky Derby Day Schedule, as well as the broadcast on NBC Sports.
Drinking Downslope at your Derby Party? Post your photos, tag us, and use #DrinkExpertly.
Cheers!